GIANT ROBOT new york

yo thanks for looking out. is this xcoldricex that posted on the GR board? this is empanadamn. whattup?

i'm open to hear whatever, even the super chinese pop stuff. i just want to experience the local scene. not really interested in going where there's nothing but gweilos and the people that love them. though i hear that's what the better music is, but then again who's dancing? i'll dance to whatever, but the head swinging, pulsating trance thang is not my steez.

i went to some place called logo on friday night in shanghai. it was really strange seeing some euro / german dudes playing reggae and dub, speaking in some fake patois accents to people who don't know what they're saying regardless. i couldn't get my head around how that's strange on so many levels.

in terms of music to play, i can go all across the board: downtemp, drum&bass, funk/soul, hip-hop, r&b, dancehall, current pop, 80s/90s pop, house, broken beat, baltimore club, baile funk, bass, rock, indie rock, hipster shit, blah blah blah... and actually mix this shit. i don't mean mash-up or anything like that, but playing genre to genre in a way that works, and isn't trying to be ironic.

i play all forementioned stuff out, but i have a grasp of playing to the lowest common denominator - the drunk girl. so the formula for them is typically popular hip-hop, r&b, regular pop, maybe some 80s, and madonna. in china, i don't know what works aside from super fast trance stuff, which i won't play because i don't have that. i enjoy playing polyrhythm type of music, so i'm afraid people wouldn't be able to catch a beat, and then i'd end up coming off as a wack DJ because i'm not playing what's familiar to them.

HOLLA

Hello, I'm in Shanghai and going to HK next week. I'm trying to sort out some places to DJ and also just check out. Any particular spots to look at, or people to look for? I play a range of music and am pretty flexible (no trance / progressive house stuff though).

Any advice or leads would be appreciated.

Peace.

posted on behalf of Eric Nakamura of Giant Robot

================================

I know Asian Americans rally through emails. It seems like any worthwhile independent project or controversial topic spreads quickly this way. This is one of them, and honestly, it's not the most important topic, but it is something that I think you should know.

Yesterday, I received a pair of Ray Fong Adidas. They are truly beautiful shoes. The box, laces, and details are amazing. I doubt a sneaker can get much better. I put up some photos at:

http://www.giantrobot.com/blogs/eric

I realize there's a lot of controversy over the Ray Fong image that appears on this shoe. It's been on CNN and BBC in addition to the viral emails I mentioned. As a friend of the artist Barry McGee, I feel the need to come forward and address the topic.

I've known Barry for nearly ten years, and I can safely say that he isn't racist. For many of you who are following this controversy, you should know that Barry McGee is half Chinese-American, and has been featured on the cover of Giant Robot magazine multiple times. We were proud to exhibit the work of Ray Fong at our gallery in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Let me try to explain who Barry McGee is.

Coming from a graffiti artist background in San Francisco, Barry has transformed into an important contemporary artist in America. I personally believe that he has taken aspects of modern graffiti, including bombs, tags, throw-ups, stickering, and scribing, and made them acceptable in the world of fine art. Since his ascension in art, there have been numerous gallery and museum exhibits highlighting the new genre. The movement is featured in books and magazines around the world. One can also argue that it's given rise to a new industry in America, which is young contemporary art and many art-related products including designer toys, clothing lines, and, of course, sneakers. Barry is at the forefront of this, albeit unintentionally.

Making any product is rare for Barry McGee, and the shoe by Adidas should be appreciated as an art object. At $250, it's obviously intended for a select audience, which may but most likely won't include you. The image isn't a joke at anyone's expense; it's part of Barry's artwork. From his own words, the image is actually a no-holds-barred depiction of himself as a child. This isn't a racist Abercrombie and Fitch T-shirt or an offensive Adam Carolla broadcast. Imagery like this is something that's been done by many respected artists including Kara E. Walker, Kehinde Wiley, James Luna, and Manuel Ocampo. Basically it's taking negative stereotypical imagery and using them in a proud manner. Barry McGee's Ray Fong image can be looked at in a similar light, and will undoubtedly outlive us all. It will be placed into permanent collections in museums. It will be written about for years to come. It may eventually be in art history books. I believe that Barry's art is precious, and a

n important part of art history.

As an Asian American, I am proud to have Barry McGee as a role model. In the realm of graffiti and street art culture, there are few Asian-American faces involved, and none with Barry's widespread appeal. He is perhaps the most respected graffiti artist of all, and his audience ranges from broke art kids to billionaire museum benefactors. Most Asian Americans may not know Barry McGee or appreciate his art (yet), and that's a shame, but I recognize him as a hero and rank him among the 50 most culturally important Asian Americans.

Lastly, I know that this will eventually boil over and disappear. Those who hate Adidas for the moment will probably go back and buy a pair of shoes. I was going to let this go away, but after hearing the constant talk and reports of racism associated with Barry McGee, I felt the need to explain the Ray Fong I know. Help spread this side of the story.

Eric Nakamura

Giant Robot magazine

Giant

GR2

2062 Sawtelle Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025

gr2.net | (310) 445 - 9276

Giant Robot is proud to present the art of Ray Fong at GR2.

Not much is known about the famously shy Bay Area artist, except that his

work is most often seen on the walls of San Francisco–particularly around

the friendliest playgrounds and cheapest Chinese restaurants. Using

brush-like penciling and pencil-like brushstrokes, Fong depicts people,

patterns, and words with equally astonishing amounts of craftsmanship and

economy. Unlike many street-related artists, his public work is not

intended to show off skills, claim territory, or seize immorality; it is

playful and meant to entertain the eyes and lift the spirits of passers

by. It is not for art lovers, scenesters, or aesthetes, but the people.

Fong’s show at GR2 will be his first in a gallery setting. Expect his

newfound freedom to trigger an inspired mix of pencils, pens, paint, and

possibly electrical tape.

======================

======================

Giant Robot SF Presents:

The Jingi : Japanese Yakuza Spirit

Figure Exhibition by Yukinora Dehara

622 Shrader Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

February 25th – March 22nd, 2006

Opening Reception: Saturday February 25th, 6:30 – 10pm

Giant Robot is pleased to announce Yukinora Dehara’s first exhibition in San Francisco, and second show with Giant Robot.

From farmers, salary men, ghosts, gangsters and even killer vegetables, Dehara transforms these often absurd archetypes, into observations of Japanese and American society and pop culture. His clay sculptures are raw but detailed, painted with a precise and glossy aesthetic. They impart the subject’s state of being, whether it’s a subservient rice cooker, or a tortured Yakuza boss.

For each exhibition Dehara sculpts a unique cast of characters. Previous series have included killer produce in “Oyasi: Vegetable Warsâ€, villagers and farmers for the “Jibasan†collection, and Japanese ghosts for “Pop Yokai: Japanese Old Ghostâ€. In “The Jingi†Dehara will depict the Japanese gangster icon. Dehara has created 100 original sculptures that will expose every possible incarnation of the Jingi. Giant Robot San Francisco will have Dehara’s hard to find products in stock, including books, toys and other selected merchandise that catalog Dehara’s prolific body of work. Yukinori Dehara will be in attendance for the opening of the show.

======================

======================

Giant Robot New York

437 East 9th Street

Between 1st Ave. & Ave. A

New York, New York 10009

(212) 674-GRNY (4769) | www.grny.net

Giant Robot New York announces Too Many Planets, Not Enough People - an exhibition by Leif Goldberg opening on Saturday, February 25th with a reception from 6:30 -10PM. Leif Goldberg will be showcasing original paintings, drawings, screen prints and sculpture of his most recent work. The artist will be in attendance for the opening reception.

Originally from Maryland, Leif Goldberg has made his name synonymous with the underground art scene of Providence, Rhode Island. Graduating from The Rhode Island School of Design for film animation, Leif is recognized for his trademark vibrantly colored, psychedelic drawings and printmaking based on philosophical humor and nature. Given his affinity for comics, Leif Goldberg is the co-founder, editor and contributor to Paper Rodeo, an eponymous comic tabloid. From this project sprouted his book Free Radicals, featuring contributions from readers which include pieces through prison book programs. Goldberg also produces the comic zine National Waste, and has contributed to The Ganzfeld, Kramer's Ergot, and McSweeny'

ART IS A SMILE THAT GIVES YOU A HUG

with Andrew Jeffrey Wright

Showing Nov 19 - Dec 21, 2003

Opening reception Saturday, November 19 from 6:30 - 10PM

at Giant Robot New York

437 East 9th Street

Between 1st Ave. & Ave. A

New York, New York 10009

(212) 674-GRNY (4769) | www.grny.net

Giant Robot New York announces Art is a Smile That Gives You a Hug – an exhibition by Andrew Jeffrey Wright opening on Saturday, November 19th from 6:30 -10PM. Andrew Jeffrey Wright will be showcasing original paintings, drawings, screen prints, photos and collages of his most recent work.

As the founding member of Space1026, a creative community / gallery in Philadelphia, Andrew Jeffrey Wright is a front-runner for the Pennsylvania's burgeoning, underground art scene. Wright's artwork exemplifies a range of concepts using a kaleidoscope of colors, pop-culture references, and absurd humor. The multi-faceted artist procures his adventurous style working in mediums ranging from animation, video and photography to painting, print making, and sculpture. In keeping with his fortitude for zine production, Wright is creating a limited edition run of hand-made books especially for his GRNY opening.

To add to his notoriety, Andrew Jeffrey Wright has worked with an impressive list of artists. Collaborating with Clare Rojas on an animated short called "The Manipulators," the duo earned awards at the New York Underground Film Festival and New York Comedy Film Festival. Along with Rojas, AJW teamed up with Leif Goldberg and Barry McGee to produce the Outerspace Hillbilly group show in San Francisco. Showing with other high-caliber names such as Marcel Dzama, Jim Houser, Paper Rad, and Ed Templeton, Wright's artwork is appreciated coast to coast and overseas. Giant Robot New York is grateful to host the mastermind work of Andrew Jeffrey Wright's Art is a Smile That Gives You a Hug.

For more information about Andrew Jeffrey Wright,

Giant Robot New York, or Giant Robot magazine, contact:

Eric Nakamura

Giant Robot Owner/Publisher

[email protected]

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

Hello folks!

Giant Robot is officially opening a shop in NYC in June 2005. This is our first shop outside of Cali, so we're pretty excited about this. Expect the same goods served from the shops in LA & SF with a little twist. We'll be showing art as well, so look out for our upcoming shows with Eishi Takaoka, then Friends With You.

We'll be located in the East Village, on 9th Street, near Tompkins Square Park -

A good look for summertime! Minutes from the L/F/6 Trains.

We're seeking for part-time assistance at the shop. Retail experience and

being into GR is a must. If interested, hit me up at: [email protected]

with a resume and why you'd be a good fit for us.

Thanks!

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

GIANT ROBOT NEW YORK

ISSUE 36 RELEASE PARTY

Friday, March 25th, 2005

10PM at Luke + Leroy

21 7th Avenue South

(3 blocks south of Bleeker Street,

on the corner of Leroy Street.

By train: A/C/E, B/D/F/V to

West 4th Street, or

1/9 to Houston Street)

FREE ADMISSION!

Musc by DJ Woody (Turntablelab/Peroxide Comics)

and empanadamn

Inquiries/requests: [email protected]

GR36: ICONOGRAPHIC

Giant Robot 36 features the iconic art of Ryan McGinness, mind-blowing

action movies of Ryuhei Kitamura, and Muay Thai acrobatics of Ong Bak's

Tony Jaa. There's also transgender kickboxer Nong Toom, guerrilla

gardening by Xavier Cha, art film master Kore-eda, buck-toothed

detectives, and the return of Dustin Nguyen. Don't forget the Motor City

and take the Giant Robot test. Plus: music, movies, and everything you

need for a perfect day.

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

^ tight

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

Quote:

[no order]

giant robot

tokion

mens non-no

smartlow

anthem

wallpaper

Edited by raijin on Jul 7, 2004 at 05:20 AM

--- Original message by raijin on Jun 11, 2004 06:13 PM

thanks for the biggin' up, tyrone biggems.

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

• DJ AYRES + COSMO BAKER "Hip-House 2"

• BUGZ IN THE ATTIC [random singles]

• DJ DAY "What Channel What Station" / "Still Ain't Hard To Tell" / "Make You" [singles]

• DEVIN THE DUDE "2 Tha X-Treme"

• DIPLO "Florida"

• DONNY HATHAWAY "These Songs For You, Live!"

• THE GROUCH [Living Legends / random cuts]

• THE MARS VOLTA "De-loused in the Comatorium"

• OMAR "It's So" [single]

• RAPHAEL SAADIQ "As Ray Ray"

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

thanks for coming, whomever did. good turnout, pretty packed. wish there was more dancing since the music was good.

peace!

(i didn't take pix. sorry!)

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

Sounds like it's gonna be some wild n' crazy stuff straight outta Tokyo.

Controversial, sex-driven author AMI SAKURAI makes her debut in NYC this

weekend supporting her new book INNOCENT WORLD, teaming with a performance

troupe of 14 dancing, sword-wielding girls. Books, sex, swords... EGAD!

* * * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * * *

Ami Sakurai's

INNOCENT WORLD

Book Tour, NYC

SEPTEMBER 17 - 23rd, 2004

FRIDAY 17 + SATURDAY 18

Appearances at Big Apple Comic Conference

@ Penn Plaza Pavillion, 401 7th Ave & 33rd St

www.bigapplecon.com

SUNDAY 19

"Innocent World" Book Release Party

@ White Rabbit, 145 E. Houston

6 - 11PM | FREE!!! | www.whiterabbitnyc.com

[flyer below]

www.vertical-inc.com/innocent.html

THURSDAY 23

Book reading @ Blue Stockings bookstore

172 Allen St. (b/w Stanton & Rivington)

7PM | FREE!!! | www.bluestockings.com

: : : About AMI SAKURAI's "INNOCENT WORLD" : : :

Enter a world of nihilism and self-destruction. Enter a world of rape,

incest, and trauma. Enter a world of violence, drugs, and prostitution.

Enter an innocent world.

Ami believes in nothing, hopes for nothing, and turns tricks because it’s

something to do. Her journey from the pit of despair to the precarious

edge of something else captures the part of being seventeen that never

makes it into words.

A razor-sharp novella whose sheer intensity elevates misanthropy to the

level of art, Innocent World is the author's first work to appear in

English.

For press or further inquiries, contact:

Anne Ishii

[email protected]

212 529 3910 (office)

www.vertical-inc.com

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

there's also a VP records photo gallery show & performance

at EYEJAMMIE on friday.

but please don't sleep on the GR party.

it's gonna be fun

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

what else is going on that night? i know there's some stuff i'm having to skip out on in prep for our party.

yeah dude, come through if you can. music will be good, folks will be dancing and fools aren't on some pretentious BS.

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

"NCONSPICUOUS MONSTERS"

featuring the artwork of

MIKE PARK, OGI AND TIM EVANS

Opening reception

Saturday, Sept 4th, 2004 | 6:30 - 10PM

@ GRSF, 622 Shrader St., SF 94110

415.875.GRSF | www.gr-sf.com | www.giantrobot.com

These three graduates of CCA bring styles ranging from anime, pop art, fashion illustration, to vibrant mixed media pieces and abstract character designs. The works are refined, but not in the "class" sense but technically. Pieces will include digital prints, paintings and drawings.

Please plan to arrive early as space is limited.

==================================

GIANT ROBOT NEW YORK

ISSUE 34 RELEASE PARTY

Friday, September 10th, 2004

11PM at White Rabbit

145 Houston Street

(between Forsyth + Eldridge)

Music by DJ Mel + empanadamn

FREE ADMISSION!

GR 34: MOVING PICTURES

Giant Robot 34 is a virtual Pan-Asian film festival with Japanese shock master Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer, Audition, Gozu), Japan's coolest actor Asano Tadanobu (Ichi the Killer, Zatoichi), Hong Kong's god of cinematography Christopher Doyle (Hero, In the Mood for Love), and up-and-coming filmmaker from Thailand Pen-Ek Ratanaruang (Last Life in the Universe, 6ixtynin9). In addition there's the yakuza-flavored sculpture of Dehara, dirty art by Makoto Aida, a Muay Thai camp in Thailand, and a camel safari in India. Plus: the mysterious Yoko Ono, shoe-gazing Asobi Seksu, the infamous Brujeria, and much more.

About featured GRNY guest, DJ Mel (Austin, Texas / Rock The Casbah):

Dude is one of my favorite DJs EVER! Mel's selection and keen blending abilities have packed a hole-in-the-wall dive bar every Monday night for as long as I can remember. Where else can you find emo kids, thugs, frat boys n' girls, the grown n' sexy, hip-hop purists, pregnant ladies, trustafundians, dorks, and town drunks all vibing in the same place? Be on the hear-out for Mel's new mix-tape "Short But Funky" coming to a jambox near you. www.djmel.com

==================================

"BIG FUN"

featuring the artwork of

DETH P. SUN + MIKE PARK

Opening reception

Saturday, Sept 11th, 2004 | 6:30 - 10PM

@ GR2, 2062 Sawtelle Blvd, West LA

310.445.9276 | www.gr2.net | www.giantrobot.com

* Show runs 9/11 - 10/13

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

"PROJECT: We Love Music" - A music exchange

Bring a mix CD of your favorite jamz

to trade with a fellow music lover!

feat. DJ JESTER [kid koala] +

empanadamn [haterzville/giantrobot]

11PM, THURS 6/17 • F R E E !

Open Air, 121 St. Marks Pl.

[b/w 1st Ave + Ave A]

for info or requests:

[email protected]

www.filipinofist.com

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

Giant Robot Issue 32 Release Party

Fri, March 12th, 2003

10PM @ Luke + Leroy

21 7th Ave. South

(in the West Village)

Featuring live art by Jessica Tepora

(Mondo Extremo)

Music by empanadamn &

DJ 2-in-the-Pink n' 1-in-the-Stink

(haterzville DJz)

Drank specials from 10-11

F R E E A D M I S S I O N !

About artists:

• JESSICA TEPORA: Move over bacon, now there's something linear. Check out

the bloody vegan's art / zines at www.theholster.com

• empanadamn: Hitting you over the head with all your favorite country and

heavy metal bangaz!

• DJ 2-in-the-Pink n' 1-in-the-Stink: Straight outta the wild streets of

Vancouver, WA, DJ 2P1S will hit it from the back, AND he won't catch a

hernia. Mmm!!! Butt-erscotch!

Give-aways provided by TOFU RECORDS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHOUTS!!!

NAM • PATTY • RICHARD • KIM • MONICA

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Issue 32 - The Beholders

Methamphibian designs custom Nikes for the collectors. Ganges

Crematoriums, the place where they burn dead bodies right on the

river Ganges. Miss Hong Kong contestant tells about the need for big

boobs to win. Wearing man make-up to go along with the man-purse.

Futurist James Law designs sets for Wong Kar Wai's 2046. Cover

artist, Clare Rojas paints and plays music as Peggy Honeywell.

Filmmaker Sabu, underground and making movies that you need to see.

Yuta Tabuse, Japanese point guard who's trying to make it into the

NBA. Ryu Murakami, Yoshimi, and Ming Tran round out the issue.

click below for flyer: http://www.welovewinter.com/empanadamn/GR/grny32.gif

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

Giant Robot Magazine

Issue 31 Release Party:

The Revenge!

Because last week's weather was no joke,

we're doo-in’ it again this Friday. REEEEEMIX!!!

Friday, December 12th, 2003

@ VOID, 16 Mercer St. (& Howard St. -

1 block N. of Canal, 1 block W. of Broadway)

11PM - til the people leave

Click below for flyer:

http://www.welovewinter.com/empanadamn/GR/gr31revenge.gif

Music+bideo:

Ryan, empanadamn, & DJ Cafeed

F R E E A D M I S S I O N !

www.giantrobot.com

questions, requests, etc: [email protected]

PS. There’s no door people here to check ID’s,

give you dirty looks, or make you wait outside!

Everybody is welcome!

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

gail -

yeah, we gets no rvspect.

don't worry about it. come as you are...

our events are for everybody and anybody.

bring your friends & enjoy yourself.

and thank you very much for posting on your site.

it's f-f-fressshhhhh

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.

Giant Robot Magazine, Issue 31 Release Party!

Friday, December 5th, 2003 | 11PM @ Essex

120 Essex St. (& Rivington) in the LES

www.essex.com

FREE ADMISSION!

Featuring guest art duo kozyndan

www.kozyndan.com

(read below for bio)

Music provided by Ryan, empanadamn

& Yu-Ming (freshnessmag.com)

CLICK BELOW FOR FLYER:

http://www.welovewinter.com/empanadamn/GR/gr31.gif

ALSO

URBAN MYTHS book signing with kozyndan

Saturday, December 6th, 2003 | 3-6PM @ ZAKKA

147 Grand Street in SOHO

www.zakkacorp.com

Give-aways provided by

Sub Pop Records

www.subpop.com

kozyndan | URBAN MYTHS

Giant Robot magazine is proud to present Urban Myths, a book of art by the illustration team of Dan and Kozue Kitchens, who sign their work as kozyndan. The Los Angeles-based duo's colorful style combines the pop culture influences of Japanese Superflat artists, eye-straining detail of British comic book master Geoff Darrow, and effortlessly cool whimsy of filmmaker Tim Burton. Rabbits, robots, blobs, monsters, and schoolgirls collide in a colorful, saturated, and sunny yet sinister universe. Kozyndan's work has been featured prominently in Giant Robot, album covers for Weezer and the Postal Service, and recently interactive production for Nike. Urban Myths, their first published collection, was printed in conjunction with a show at the GR2 gallery.

CLICK BELOW FOR FLYER:

http://www.welovewinter.com/empanadamn/GR/kozybooksigning.gif

FOR MORE INFO: www.giantrobot.com | www.gr2.net | www.kozyndan.com

*** Issue release events for Giant Robot Issue 31 are also going on in San Diego & Toronto,

as well as a grand opening party for the new Giant Robot Store in San Francisco,

opening Friday, Nov 28th off of Haight Street.

Right now I'm listening to Menudo.